So, here’s the scoop. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred dropped some pretty big news at the owners’ meetings last Thursday. He’s got his sights set on the 2025 season. Why? He wants to roll out a new direct-to-consumer streaming package. And guess what? This isn’t just any package. It’s designed to let fans catch in-market games. Yep, you heard that right. At least half of the MLB teams could be part of this digital dream.
“Realistically, my target to having a digital package I can take to market would be for the ’25 season,” Manfred spilled the beans (via The Athletic). Now, for those out of the loop, MLB’s current streaming option, MLB.tv, has a bit of a catch. It only lets fans watch out-of-market games. So, if you’re chilling in Dallas, dreaming of watching the World Series champion Rangers, well, tough luck. You’re gonna hit a blackout on MLB.tv. But hold onto your hats. This new service Manfred’s talking about? It might just change the game. It’s looking to knock those pesky blackouts out of the park and let fans tune into their local teams.
But, oh boy, it’s not all smooth sailing. The biggest roadblock? It’s all about securing those digital rights for enough teams to make this whole thing work. And here’s where it gets juicy. Diamond Sports Group, you know, the folks running the Bally Sports regional networks? They’re in a bit of a pickle, wading through bankruptcy proceedings and all. They’ve got the digital rights for a bunch of clubs locked down. Plus, don’t even get me started on the big-market teams. The Dodgers and Yankees? They’re clutching onto their digital rights like a kid with a candy bar.
Just last week, Diamond managed to strike deals with the Guardians, Rangers, and Twins for the 2024 season. So, their digital rights will be up for grabs in 2025. And MLB isn’t just sitting around. They’re planning to keep broadcasting games for the Diamondbacks, Padres, and Rockies in 2024, making sure their digital rights are in the mix too. But here’s the kicker: MLB needs to round up another 8-10 teams to bring this streaming dream to life.
Now, don’t think Manfred and MLB can just snap their fingers and make blackouts disappear. Those pesky local television contracts are in the way. But, thanks to Diamond’s bankruptcy drama, there’s a glimmer of hope. Several teams might just get their digital rights back. And you know what? MLB’s got that look in their eye. They’re dead set on making this streaming service a reality, letting fans watch in-market games. And if all goes to plan, we could be streaming by 2025.
So, there you have it. Baseball’s bigwigs are on a mission. They’re looking to shake things up and bring the game right to our screens, no blackouts, no fuss. It’s a bold move, sure. But if it pans out, it could change how we watch baseball forever. Stay tuned, folks. This could get interesting.
